What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Fast take, quick reminder? Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance programs, but they’re regulated by the federal government. And all Medicare Advantage plans have at least the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B, often including prescription drugs, dental, and vision, too.
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Annual star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rank these plans on a scale of 1 to 5 stars: 5 being the highest. They will help consumers find quality plans while influencing government funding for providers.
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The Big Change in 2025 What’s new for 2025? CMS raises the bar, making it much harder to receive high scores for Medicare Advantage plans. Only 40% of plans earned 4 or more stars this year versus 68% two years ago KFF HEALTH NEWS Why is that so? CMS is on the lookout for superior quality in care. It will make sure such plans conserve money, and fundamentally basically really make the person administer to their health.
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This more aggressive rating standards focus on customer service, how well plans help those with chronic conditions in managing them and access. That means some insurers, like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, will see their ratings drop, which translates to fewer of their plans qualify as 4-star or better
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Now is the perfect time to review your Medicare Advantage plan if you are enrolled in one. Medicare open enrollment always occurs between October 15 and December 7, so it’s a great opportunity to switch to a more highly-rated one if yours didn’t work out for you for this year.
Although your plan may still be affordable, a lower rating may mean you’re not getting the best care you can. Using tools such as the Medicare Plan Finder will give you insight into your current plan compared to others in your area.
Conclusion
KreativanSays, Medicare Advantage Plan Ratings for 2025 observe that CMS is raising the bar for quality; that could be a good thing in the long term. It’s quite vital, however, to do the homework necessary in this short run for open enrollment. Ensure your plan is still meeting your needs and providing the right amount of care you deserve.
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